We reveal just how much sugar is in your childrens’ favourite cereals and snacks
Experts warned that children are having more than half their recommended daily intake before they even get to school
HOW much sugar did your kids eat this morning?
Experts yesterday warned that children are having more than half their recommended daily intake before they even get to school.
Thousands of youngsters start their day with calorie-heavy cereals, snacks and drinks packed with the sweet stuff.
The Government recommends no more than 19g of sugar — about five cubes — for children aged four to six and 24g — about six lumps — for seven to ten-year-olds. Guidelines also suggest kids need between 1,500-2,000 calories a day.
With one in three children leaving primary school too fat, choosing a healthy break-fast has never been more vital.
Check out our guide below to see the amount of sugar and calories in each 30g serving of cereal without milk and in each regular portion of snacks and drinks. The healthiest options are circled in green.
Calories: 113
Sugar: 6g
1 1/2 teaspoons
Calories: 117
Sugar: 11g
2 3/4 teaspoons
Calories: 119
Sugar: 11g
2 3/4 teaspoons
Calories: 115
Sugar: 3g
3/4 of a teaspoon
Calories: 114
Sugar: 13g
3 1/4 teaspoons
Calories: 113
Sugar: 11g
2 3/4 teaspoons
Calories: 114
Sugar: 8.7g
2 1/4 teaspoons
Calories: 110
Sugar: 8.25g
2 teaspoons
Calories: 110
Sugar: 4.5g
1 1/4 teaspoons
Calories: 136
Sugar: 1.7g
1/2 a teaspoon
Snacks and yoghurts
Calories: 135
Sugar: 10.6g
2.5 teaspoons
Calories: 100
Sugar: 10g
2.5 teaspoons
Calories: 78
Sugar: 10.2g
2.5 teaspoons
Calories: 103
Sugar: 8g
2 teaspoons
Calories: 156
Sugar: 13g
3 1/4 teaspoons
Calories: 66
Sugar: 0.1g
0 teaspoons
Smoothies and drinks
Calories: 78
Sugar: 15g
3 3/4 teaspoons
Calories: 92
Sugar: 17.6g
4 1/2 teaspoons
Calories: 84
Sugar: 19.8g
5 teaspoons
Calories: 129
Sugar: 19.8g
5 teaspoons
Calories: 97
Sugar: 23g
5 3/4 teaspoons
Calories: 50
Sugar: 4.8g
1 1/4 teaspoons
Mind the juice
THE amount of sugar in some cereals is bad news for teeth and waists, writes Sun nutritionist AMANDA URSELL.
It would be far better to give a child porridge, sweetened by adding dried fruit or chopped bananas. This would also help them achieve their five a day.
Other nutritious alternatives include low-fat, plain yoghurt with fruit. Or a simple boiled egg with wholemeal toast.
If children do have juice or smoothies remember to stick with 150ml servings – and only at mealtimes, not as snacks.